Fairfax Planning Commission approves new theater mural

The owner of the Fairfax 6 Theatres reached a compromise with the Fairfax Planning Commission Wednesday night on the design for a mural to be painted on his theater.

The Commission had approved a design by Jane Richardson-Mack, which illustrated how much the outline of Mount Tamalpais resembles a "sleeping lady."

Theater owner Dave Corkill wanted to go with an alternative design by Kennan Brothers, which portrayed bicyclists riding along Fairfax's Broadway streetscape with Mount Tamalpais in the background. The Commission liked the design but felt it was too "busy."

Corkill needed a final decision as soon as possible since Brothers had already reserved several weeks in August in which to do the painting. The theater owner asked the Commission to vote on the matter Wednesday night.

At the meeting, however, Corkill presented a third alternative, a version of Brothers' design that focuses more on the top of the buildings along Broadway, Mount Tamalpais, and the sky.

Fairfax Planning Director Jim Moore said the third design was created with the help of Richardson-Mark.

"She was there to support the end product," Moore said.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the third alternative. The mural will be painted on the outer eastern wall of the theater, which is located at 8 Broadway.